Multiplexing and Beyond – Turning A High Throughput ELISA into a higher Throughput Multiplex Potency ELISA with FirePlex

Multivalent vaccine programs, such as pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), human papilloma virus (HPV), dengue, and flu contain between 4 and 15 different serotypes or genotypes which need to be tested, independently, for potency. Typically, these ELISAs consist of at least 1 assay plate per type and require at least an equal number of plates per type. Given the number of types, these ELISA can require between 1-7 FTEs to complete, and are only able to handle between 3-9 samples per run. Automating the assay can increase the sample throughput and decrease the FTEs required, but there are still efficiencies to be gained. So, how do you innovate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing for a vaccine with the highest valency, while simultaneously reducing total assay time and FTE requirements?

Utilizing a high throughput confocal microscope and Abcam’s FirePlex technology, we sought to evaluate proof of concept and feasibility for a multiplexed ELISA. Here, we demonstrate a first of its kind, fully automated, multiplex ELISA for a multivalent vaccine product. Using the FirePlex, a technology from Abcam consisting of PEG micro-rods fluorescently barcoded with the ability to differentiate up to 10 unique analytes in a single 384-plate, we have reduced the total number of plates from 30 to 3, greatly reducing hands on and FTE time.